The Inland Revenue Department says it is taking a realistic approach to tax collection in the wake of the Canterbury quake.
Deputy commissioner of service delivery Carolyn Tremain says tax will be the last things on people's mind after last week's quake, and the department knows it could be some time before businesses are in a position to pay tax.
She says an advertising campaign is being run through newspapers, the radio and social media to inform the public of the help available.
The department has also set up a disaster response line for people with tax queries - 0800 473 566
It does not yet have any data showing how many firms have made special payment arrangements.